The Big East is loaded with competition this year, and headlined with a lot of star power. Players like Shamorie Ponds, Markus Howard, Jessie Govan, and probably Villanova’s entire starting five…may I continue?

As the month of August winds down and another summer without college basketball comes to a close, the excitement begins to build as another year of close competition in the Big East Conference looms. However, this season isn’t as a clear cut as last season. A few days ago, we tweeted out Sports Illustrated’s power rankings.

It almost seems unfair that the Villanova Wildcats continue to replace talent with even more talent. Sure, Mikal Bridges, Jalen Brunson, and possibly Donte DiVincenzo are leaving. Yet, Villanova still has one of the strongest recruiting classes headlined by star point guard Jahvon Quinerly.

Marcellus Earlington was originally projected to play football. Standing at 6’5 and weighing 230 pounds, the defensive end from Don Bosco Prep had offers from big-time football programs like Georgia, Penn State, Rutgers, Virginia Tech, and Pittsburgh, with a total of 16 offers. He also played basketball as a small forward.

Current Xavier head coach, Chris Mack, is likely on his way out after a disappointing end to the Muskateers’ season. According to college basketball insider Jon Rothstein, barring something unforeseen, Mack will be the next head coach of the Louisville Cardinals.